We all know true beauty begins on the inside in our hearts and souls. I also believe our outer physical beauty starts on the inside with good health. So today, I wanted to share my fitness routine and tips I use for incorporating exercise into my lifestyle.
I started exercising regularly in my late thirties. I had worked out on and off when I was younger, but that pretty much stopped after I had kids. As I entered my late thirties, my metabolism slowed down and I started noticing more health problems. In an effort to combat these issues, I started exercising again.
My fitness routine consists of working out five days a week. The one thing I do during each workout session is speed walk for 30 minutes. I do this as my main aerobic activity for good heart health. Plus, it helps me keep a healthy weight. I used to try to run, but stopped after having reconstruction surgery due to breast cancer. I want to keep the bounce to my newly reconstructed chest at a minimum. LOL At least two or three days a week, I try to work out with weights and work on core strength. I try to vary these exercises to challenge my muscles.
There are so many exercise programs out there I see other bloggers doing – some of which can be pricey. Also, there is always the option of joining a gym or taking an exercise class. If they are within your budget, go for it. Otherwise, working out does not have to be expensive. I simply work out at home, although I do have a treadmill now. Early on, I would walk around my neighborhood and sometimes in the local mall when the weather was really bad.
As far as clothing goes, the most important thing to have is a good pair of Tennis Shoes and a supportive Bra. You can read my post on work out clothes Here.
While I’m certainly not a fitness expert, I have found for me being as consistent as possible is key to seeing healthy results. Here are some ways I’ve learned to incorporate a fitness routine into my lifestyle:
1. Make exercise a priority. This is not easy, but I look at it like brushing my teeth. I brush my teeth twice a day to keep them healthy – it is a must! In the same way, I work out so many minutes a day – it is a must to keep my body healthy!
2. Start slow and steady. Do what you can do in the beginning, especially if you’ve never worked out before. If that means a ten minute walk everyday, then do it and build up from there. Of course, check with your doctor if you have any health problems before starting an exercise program.
3. Don’t expect instant results. This is another tough one for me as I’m impatient. I remember thinking all those years ago (and sometimes now) that I would never lose weight or look toner. I was working just about every day with no visible results. Everyone is different depending on their fitness level when starting. When I began, I had not exercised in years. Results were not going to come overnight. In fact, it took me many, many weeks of consistently exercising. I usually feel better before I see visible results. In the beginning, I would just keep telling myself how beneficial exercise is for my health.
4. Give yourself a break now and then. While I try to be as consistent as possible, I have not worked out every single day for the last ten years. There have been weeks I have exercised less or not at all. There have been a few whole months that I have gone without exercise. Life happens, and it is impossible to do everything perfectly. So many people begin exercising the first of every New Year and quit before February. For me personally, January would have been the worst time to start making exercise a habit. Every year, I struggle during those months to keep a consistent routine. In the spring, I start gaining momentum and can stick with it pretty well the rest of the year.
The last thing I want to say is don’t exercise to look a certain way, like someone you are not, or to be a certain size. Exercise to keep your body healthy and strong. While maintaining good health does contribute to looking your best on the outside, be you. We are all made and shaped differently by our Creator. You are beautiful just the way He made you!
Speaking of good health, we have all had a long rough round of the flu here at my house. Thankfully, we have recovered without complications. I pray and hope you all are doing well!